Gamba face the talented Chinese outfit in a Group F game just two days after opening the new J.League season with a 3-0 win at JEF United Chiba.

However despite the lack of preparation time, Nishino does not expect to see a sub-standard performance from his men.

"You should be capable of playing with a two-day rest in between games," he said.

"I'm not feeling any negative influence from that at the moment. Plus, we have plenty of confidence after winning the title following some real difficulties last year."

The 2009 edition has been expanded to 32 teams with more of the continent's top teams competing.

Nishino also recognised defending their title is likely to be much harder than winning it.

"The status of the ACL has increased as the tournament has more powerful clubs and I've heard that the teams from South Korea and China have stronger motivation to win the ACL this time," he added.

"After winning this tournament last year, I know people's expectations are higher."

Goalkeeper Naoki Matsuyo reinforced the steely determination running through the club to maintain their grip on the trophy, particularly with a place at the FIFA Club World Cup at stake.

"We the players are eyeing qualification for the FIFA Club World Cup. Once you experience that you want to go back there and we have no intention of giving it away to any other team."

Chinese Super League champions Shandong return to the competition after a one-year hiatus and include former Jubilo Iwata midfielder Aleksandar Zivkovic among their ranks.

Boss Ljubisa Tumbakovic feels his side have nothing to lose.

"I think Gamba Osaka are more under pressure than we are," he said.

"They are the champions and they are playing at home. It is a must-win situation for them. We feel more relaxed."

The other game in what is considered one of the competition's toughest groups pits Sriwijaya against K-League runners-up FC Seoul.

New signing Budi Sursano, who scored against Sydney and eventual champions Urawa Reds when playing for Persik Kediri in the same competition two years ago, believes with the likes of Indonesia international goalkeeper Ferry Rotinsulu, national team skipper Charis Yulianto, Liberian playmaker Zah Rahan Krangar and St Kitts & Nevis striker Keith Gumbs in their squad, they can cause an upset.

"We definitely have the right balance and quality to surprise many in this competition," the Indonesia forward said.

"Sriwijaya has been the most balanced and consistent team in Indonesia the past three seasons and I am proud to have joined them."

FC Seoul began the new K-League season in impressive fashion with a 6-1 drubbing of Chunnam Dragons at the weekend and boss Senol Gunes is hoping his side can carry that form into tomorrow's encounter.

"It was great to get off to such an emphatic start to the season at the weekend but now our most important game is the away match at Sriwijaya," said the ex-Turkey boss.

"We will do our utmost to get our campaign off to a good start."